Ronald “Ron” Andrew Skarupa

by Lynn McMillen
0 comment

obituary image

Ronald “Ron” Andrew Skarupa, Lt Col, US Army, Ret., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 7, 2025, in Huntsville, AL, at the age of 84. He was preceded by his beloved wife, Madeline (nee Steranko). He is survived by his children, Andrew (Beth), Valerie (Jeff), Ron, Leah (Gus), and Tim (Heather), and by his sister, Diane Lucas. He was a loving grandfather to Alexis, Elena, Nick, Joe, Luke, Veronica, Raquel, Anna, and Flannery.

Ron was born in Torrington, Connecticut on December 9, 1940, to Ethel and Andrew Skarupa. He was the apple of his parents’ eye from the start. As he liked to tell his children, he started his career early as a paper boy and a pin setter in the local bowling alley, and he even was a caddy at the local country club. As Ron grew up, it was clear that he was an excellent conversationalist and storyteller. He had both street and book smarts and was an amazing athlete. At 6’3” he was a natural basketball player and earned the nickname “Sky Skarupa” at Torrington High School.

His wit, academic and athletic achievements, and calm demeanor resulted in an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1958. Ron graduated in 1962 in a ceremony led by President John F. Kennedy. The class motto was, “62 Can Do!”

He met his lovely wife Madeline in 1962 on a blind date set up by relatives, and they married in 1963. Their love story began on that first date and lasted for over 50 years. They traveled the world together and raised five children, surviving the hardship of Ron’s two tours in Vietnam. They never forgot the importance of family. Together, they had tours in Germany (which was the family favorite), Kentucky, Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, Virginia, and New Mexico, and then retired in Huntsville, AL.

Ron’s military and civilian career achievements show his dedication to service, country, and his fellow man. His unbelievable courage in combat as an advisor to the South Vietnamese in two tours to Vietnam resulted in the award of the Silver Star and four Bronze Stars. Ron went on to earn a nuclear engineering master’s degree from Arizona State and an MBA from Boston University. He was a critical subject matter expert behind many national defense initiatives during his 21-year career in the Army. After retiring from the Army, he worked as a defense contractor and later as a Defense Small Business Owner for another 35 years.

Ron loved adventure and socializing with friends and family. He wholeheartedly passed these attributes on to the Skarupa Clan. Whether it was camping, a new fishing spot, a hike to a pyrite mine, or telling stories with friends, he brought the laughter, the prosecco, and the fun! He loved the Gulf Coast and spent many weekends with family and friends enjoying the marine air, fishing, and the beautiful view of the Orange Beach waterway. He never missed an opportunity to be with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Ron was the heart of the Skarupa family. His wisdom, courage, love, and wonderful stories will always be remembered. We can smile because we know there is an angel warrior in Heaven who is looking over us now.

Please join us in celebration of Ron’s life. There will be a Memorial visitation at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, January 16 until the funeral Mass at 6:30 p.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church is located at 625 Airport Rd SW in Huntsville, AL. Burial service will be at Alabama National Cemetery at 1:15 PM, Friday, January 17.

Flowers and condolences can be sent to Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Ave., Huntsville, AL 35803, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd., Suite #130, Lanham, MD 20706.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

[script_13]

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.